Suher reports two Northampton projects on schedule

NORTHAMPTON — Businessman Eric Suher appeared briefly before the License Commission on Monday to confirm he is on schedule to open two new establishments in the city.

Suher said the Green Room at 26-28 Center St., which previously housed Blue Note Guitars, has all of its required permits, is up to current building codes and should be ready to open with its seasonal all-liquor license by April 1.

The seasonal license allows liquor sales between April 1 and Jan. 15. Suher told commission chairman William Rosen he hopes to convert that license into a year-round license by the end of 2014.

Suher, owner of the Iron Horse Entertainment Group, which also includes the Calvin Theater, the Pearl Street nightclub and the Iron Horse Music Hall, told the Gazette last week that the Green Room is already open for “certain things,” but did not elaborate on what those were.

On Monday, Suher described the Green Room as being a “fun little cocktail lounge.”

Work is also progressing, the former Baptist Church at 298 Main St. on the corner of West Street, another property for which Suher possesses a liquor license.

Suher told Rosen that he would prefer to be further along on that project, but poor weather this winter has slowed work down.

Suher has said at previous License Commission meetings he plans to use the former church as a function hall for weddings and conferences.

Last year, commissioners expressed concerns about the liquor licenses for both properties going unused.

Suher was given deadlines to show progress on both renovation projects and demonstrate that the licenses — of which there are only a limited number available in the city — would be put to use or risk their revocation.